| Concentrators |
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Oxygen concentrators are machines that take in regular air (which is about 21% oxygen), remove the other gases, and produce oxygen that is up to 95% pure. Most concentrators are about the size of a kitchen garbage can and weigh from 30lb to 50lb. Oxygen concentrators don't need to be refilled like oxygen tanks do. But unlike an oxygen tank, a concentrator runs on electricity, so you will need an oxygen tank as a backup in case the power goes out. Concentrators are designed to run 24 hours a day. Most models have an external filter that the patient can wash out as needed (usually weekly). There are internal filters that your Diamond technician will change for you. Unlike cylinders the oxygen from a concentrator is room temperature, or slightly above. This can confuse some patients as they do not “feel” the oxygen. The feeling they refer to is the cold sensation that comes from using compressed cylinders. A simple test to show the user that the concentrator is working is to place the cannula into a glass of water and watch for the bubbles. |